Community leaders unite to combat PFAs in West Virginia

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the launch of a significant three-year project aimed at addressing environmental justice issues in West Virginia. This initiative follows the approval of a government-to-government grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, along with local organizations including West Virginia Rivers Publishing and Fair Share.

The project focuses on community engagement in areas affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), which are harmful chemicals often found in water supplies. The goal is to develop replicable local models that enable collaboration between communities and technical experts to effectively reduce PFA levels. Specifically, the initiative plans to create 15 PFA action plans across 11 communities in the Northern and Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, including notable areas such as Harper's Ferry.

A key component of the project involves the participation of approximately 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Jefferson County, including the Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition and the Eastern Panhandle Green Coalition. Community outreach and engagement are deemed critical for the success of the PFA action plans, and each participating community will appoint a community ambassador. This ambassador will undergo about 120 hours of training and will receive a stipend of $26,100 for their efforts.

The next step in this initiative is a project design meeting scheduled for the end of the month, where officials will strategize on how to proceed with the implementation of the action plans. The meeting underscores a proactive approach to environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in addressing public health concerns related to PFAs.